Decision details

The Forum considered a draft protocol and outline for the management of road closures for events, parades and other activities that affect the highway. 

Members were informed that the protocol had been produced in response to Lancashire Constabulary's adoption of national guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.  The Constabulary's decision meant that the police would not undertake any traffic management for an event on the highway other than those events that were deemed to be of national importance e.g. a Remembrance Day parade.

The Forum agreed that there needed to be a clear separation and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the county and borough councils.

The Forum's attention was drawn to the proposed accredited training programme for marshalls that would allow county and district employees to be empowered to control traffic when required to do so.

It was noted that the County Council could supply road closure signs and barriers to assist events on the highway.

A member believed that the police would continue to have a presence at events on the highway until March 2015.  Whilst the protocol appeared to be a way forward, it was agreed that the Constabulary should be urged to reconsider its decision and to provide support beyond March 2015.